SAS Design crafts a stylish home in Mumbai

The Scandinavian design achieves balance between comfort and minimalism in this 850-sq-ft apartment.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Photographix India/Jacob Nedumchira; courtesy SAS Design

The site

The apartment is part of ‘City of Joy Complex’ of multi-storey towers, located in Mulund West, Mumbai, with ample light and ventilation.

The brief

The clients came to architect Shilpa Sawant of SAS Design with a desire to upscale their living mode with strong preference for the Scandinavian style. Along with this, a reorganising of spaces with current and growing living needs, was also required.

The design intent

This large 2bhk residence demonstrates a perfect blend of stylish living and functionalities. The architect proposed a neutral colour palette and minimal adornment to meet the clients’ love for Scandinavian decor style. The design captures the balance between comfort and minimalism through clean lines, a calming colour scheme and artwork showcased on a neutral backdrop. “We used just the right amount of furniture and decor – no more, no less,” smiles Shilpa.

The civil intervention

“As the project was about remodelling the existing premise, the house had to go under extensive civil work, that is, reorganising spaces involving breaking and erecting new walls, plaster and waterproofing works. Only after arriving at desired proportions, further materials were selected,” the architect tells us. The kitchen and washroom entries were widened, and spaces were enlarged to house modern appliances. The entrance to the kitchen and common washroom was enclosed with a long sliding fluted-glass partition. This afforded requisite privacy without compromising on light ingress. Window jambs were treated with artificial white marble to achieve seamlessness and to attain desired focal points.

The spatial configuration

The entrance and the living room set the desired mood which is carried forward through a connecting passage to the kitchen and bedroom areas. Shades of grey are the binding factor as well as the neutral base which enhance the design elements. To achieve seamlessness and length, wooden tiles were planned for the entire premises.

The design and material details of each room

“We chose to blend a modern sensibility with the Scandinavian style to create personalised spaces that adapted to the clients’ culture. Keeping the core of the style intact, the décor was worked around the clients’ tastes and choices,” discloses the architect. The decorations were kept minimal and the functional elements — that is, project lighting, flooring, etc — were given the role of ornamenting the space as well. In the living room, a black track light highlights a customised artwork by Achyut Palav on a cement texture background, imparting a perfect art gallery feel. This is the main feature wall of the house. “The clients were happy to have this as a ‘Selfie Point’ for themselves and their guests,” Shilpa reminisces with a smile.

In the minimal and inviting living room, right accent curios soften and stylise the spaces. The furniture — such as the bespoke pebble-shaped centre table — and the other elements here are fluidly shaped in response to the room’s distinct form. A harmonious environment is attained by balancing accessories, furniture, and empty space.

The kitchen showcases the material palette successfully. The layout segregates the service space from the cooking space and finds dedicated space for the puja area. The grey artificial marble with white drawer fronts and black accessories and appliances completes the overall look. A small ledge planned near the veggie wash area functions as a kitchen herb corner.

The widened common bathroom and kitchen lie beyond a fluted-glass partition. The common washroom has been treated with cement tiles to give a raw look and to blend in well with the other common areas. The accessories were customised as disguise décor elements. The towel bar, for instance, was designed to include a small shelf to keep small curios and art frames.

The kid’s bedroom provides ample space for studies and friend meet-ups of the teenage occupant. Retaining the same finishes as the rest of the house, an elevated section divides the functions neatly and allows free movement. A large, customised world map provides an interesting backdrop for the bed ensemble. The wardrobe finish was kept in plain laminate and the paint was matched to the laminate shade to blur the boundaries between the materials. A sliding door hides behind a full-height mirror which again combines two functionalities while maintaining ease of movement. Large mirrors also help double up the space and allow visual extension.

In the master bedroom, a slated rhythmic backdrop with a large sculptural wall clock adds a touch of distinction. A touch of green in the furnishings connects the inside to the outside seen through large French windows. A dark grey ceiling creates depth, making for a cosy space. The alcove seating with a green rug forms a corner for an indulgent morning breakfast. The master bathroom showcases a smart use of contrasting terrazzo tiles. This chic washroom has a large circular mirror with customised slim shelves to display curios.

“In general, the spaces flaunt textured surfaces with a wooden floor at its base,” points out Shilpa. “Each space has been personalised with a hint of specific colour. Moreover, the house exhibits a collection of art and accessories. All this results in a sophisticated, stylish and comfortable house for our client with a unique taste for design.”